Arsenal are in dire need of attacking reinforcements and have been linked with a surprise move for former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.
Costa is a free agent after terminating his contract with Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro.
According to the Evening Standard, the former Spain international would be open to a move to Arsenal, although he reportedly prefers joining Corinthians and linking up with ex-Chelsea teammate Willian.
Arsenal have reportedly hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, which may have prompted the London club to shift their focus to a short-term solution in Diego Costa.
The 33-year-old was one of the most intimidating strikers in Europe during his prime. After winning Copa del Rey, La Liga and two UEFA Super Cups with Atletico Madrid, Costa signed with Chelsea in 2014. The Spaniard scored 58 goals in 120 appearances for the Blues in all competitions and was instrumental in their league triumphs in 2014–15, and 2016–17.
He re-joined Atletico Madrid in 2018 and remained with the club for a couple of years before heading to Brazil.
Should Arsenal make a move for Diego Costa?
Arsenal are woefully short on attacking options at the moment. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled to deliver goals ever since signing a new mega-contract in 2020 and a series of off-field issues have resulted in him being stripped of the armband and dropped from the squad entirely. He is likely to be sold in the summer.
Alexandre Lacazette has impressed in Aubameyang’s absence, but he is not a consistent goal-scorer and he too is expected to be shipped out, as is Eddie Nketiah who flattered to deceive in the opportunities handed to him.
Despite that, a move for Diego Costa, even on a free, does not make much sense. The 33-year-old tormented Arsenal more with his antics than his goals during his time with Chelsea, and Gunners fans would not be pleased to see him back at the Emirates.
Moreover, he does not fit into the club’s vision for the future or even in the short-term the tactical setup and ethos Arteta has cultivated in the squad is unlikely to be a perfect fit for the mercurial former Spanish international. Under Arteta, Arsenal have placed a lot of emphasis on youth development and signings players that can form the core of the club over the next few years. Their interest in Vlahovic, who is 21, is a testament to that. Costa, 33, is at the opposite end of the spectrum in that regard.
The former Atletico forward is also well past his prime and will not guarantee any more goals than what Lacazette currently offers. As such, the Gunners should steer clear of making a move.